Lin is the Aviator Athlete of the Month

He has gone from running in the middle of the pack, to being the lead runner at some of the toughest cross country events in the area. Butler High School junior Long Fa Lin is definitely having a break out year.

Lin won the Troy Lost Creek Invitational Sept. 10, took third at the Bob Schul Invitational Aug. 27 and finished fourth in the Cedarville Invitational Sept. 17.

While he’s been running competitively since his freshman year, Lin credits his summer running program for his improving times this season. Coach Andy White agrees Lin’s summer program, which included running up to 12 miles a day, is paying off for the third-year runner.

“Cross country is a hard work sport. The person who works the hardest typically does the best. Long definitely works hard. He may be the hardest working athlete I have ever coached,” White said.

Now, Lin is continuing his hard work, running seven days a week, with a personal goal of making it to state.

“[Butler] has a strong tradition of state qualifying and state placing runners. Lin is motivated to continue the tradition,” White said.